Antimicrobial grips for sports equipment

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the present invention relate to an antimicrobial grip for handles on equipment. More particularly, in preferred aspects, the present invention relates to a shock-absorbing grip for handles on sports and exercise equipment, wherein the grip is further adapted to inhibit microbial growth by incorporation of a long-lasting, non-toxic inorganic antimicrobial agent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] In preferred aspects, the present invention relates to anantimicrobial grip for handles on devices that are subject toimpact-related shock, changes in load-bearing, and/or slippage in theuser's hands under damp conditions. More particularly, in preferredaspects, the present invention relates to a grip for handles on sportsand exercise equipment, wherein the grip is adapted to inhibit microbialgrowth.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Applicant has previously developed resilient grips whichsuccessfully reduce shock to the muscle and arm joints of the users ofgolf clubs, tennis racquets, racquetball racquets, baseball bats andother impact imparting devices such as hammers. See for example U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,695,418, 5,797,813, and 5,857,929; incorporated herein intheir entirety by reference. Such grips utilize a polyurethane layerbonded to a felt layer to define a strip which is spirally wrappedaround the handle of a golf club, racquet or the like to conform to theexternal configuration of such handle.

[0005] Although previously resilient grips developed by Applicantafforded important advantages over prior art grips, particularly withrespect to reducing impact-related shock and slippage due toaccumulation of moisture, problems related to microbial growth have notbeen adequately addressed. Many species of bacteria, algae, yeast, moldand fungi are well-adapted to survive and even proliferate onconventional grips, particularly within perspiration and/orrain-moistened pores, folds and crevices. Microbial growth may beenhanced by storage in damp, dark racket sleeves or golf bags, etc.Microbial organisms can compromise the effectiveness of the grip andproduce a slimy and/or slippery tactile effect and generate odorproblems. Likewise, microbial contamination may reduce the useful lifeand/or discolor the grip. Perhaps most importantly, microbialcontamination can cause health problems and contribute to thetransmission of infectious agents.

[0006] One solution has been proposed in U.S. Application No. 09/810,392filed on Mar. 19, 2001 by Wang-Pin Pan and published as US 2002/0132876(incorporated herein in its entirety by reference) on Sep. 19, 2002. Itis suggested in this application that a mixed liquid comprising anaromatic tin-hydrocarbon ester can be either (1) spread onto a fabric,fastened to the handle portion of an exercise device, and coated withthe handle grip rubber; or alternatively, (2) the finished rubber gripcan be immersed in the mixed liquid, to produce a mildew-proof andantibacterial action. Unfortunately, the aromatic liquid is likely todissipate quickly, wherein the desired effect will also diminish.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,578 (incorporated herein in its entirety byreference) discloses a shape-molded foam handle for fishing equipmentcomprising an elastomer, preferably a styrene block copolymer-basedthermoplastic elastomer, which incorporates an inorganic germicidalagent, such as a silver-mineral complex (e.g., silver combined with asilica-alumina carrier, a zeolite carrier or a zirconium phosphatecarrier). The molded thermoplastic germicidal handles disclosed in the'578 patent for fishing rods, nets, coolers, etc. fail to address theproblems associated with impact-related shock on sports equipment gripsand slippage due to accumulation of moisture.

[0008] Accordingly, there remains an urgent and unsatisfied need in theindustry for antimicrobial handle grips for sports equipment, such asgolf clubs, racquets, and/or exercise equipment, that exhibitlong-lasting, non-toxic antibacterial, antifungal and antialgal actions,and protect users against shock to joints, muscles, tendons and bonesdue to impact and/or load shifting, and slippage due to moisture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An antimicrobial grip is disclosed in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. The grip comprises an elongatedstrip comprising an elastomer layer bonded to a textile layer, whereinthe elastomer layer further comprises an inorganic antimicrobial agent.

[0010] Preferably, the elastomer layer comprises polyurethane. Morepreferably, the polyurethane has a plurality of closed pores that extendvertically in a direction normal to a longitudinal axis of the elongatedstrip.

[0011] The textile layer preferably comprises felt and an adhesive layerand a protective quick-release tape, such that upon release of the tape,the elongated strip can be adhered to a handle.

[0012] The inorganic antimicrobial agent comprises an antimicrobialmetal, selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, zinc, tin,mercury, lead, iron, cobalt, nickel, manganese, arsenic, antimony,bismuth, barium, candmium and chromium. Preferably, the antimicrobialmetal is silver or zinc. More preferably, the antimicrobial metal issilver.

[0013] The antimicrobial agent further comprises a porous mineral-basedcarrier. In preferred embodiments, the porous mineral-based carrier isselected from the group consisting of a silica-alumina carrier, azeolite carrier, or a zirconium phosphate carrier. More preferably, themineral based carrier is a silica-alumina carrier. Most preferably, thesilica-alumina carrier is montmorillonite, having a chemical formula: Na0.7 Al 3.3 Mg 0.7 Si 8 O 20 (OH)4·nH2O.

[0014] In preferred embodiments of the grip of the present invention,the inorganic antimicrobial agent is present at a concentration byweight in a range of about 0.1% to 20%. More preferably, theconcentration by weight of the inorganic antimicrobial agent is in arange of about 1% to 10%. Most preferably, the concentration by weightof said inorganic antimicrobial agent is about 2%.

[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, agolf club is disclosed. The golf club comprises an antimicrobial gripcomprising a layer of polyurethane bonded to a layer of felt. The layersof polyurethane and felt are configured so as to reduce impact-relatedshock. The polyurethane layer further comprises a silver-based inorganicantimicrobial agent dispersed therein. Preferably, the silver-basedinorganic antimicrobial agent comprises montmorillonite containingsilver at a concentration of about 1% to 15% by weight. More preferably,the silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent comprises montmorillonitecontaining silver at a concentration of about 2% by weight.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, aracquet is disclosed. The racquet comprises an antimicrobial gripcomprising a layer of polyurethane bonded to a layer of felt The layersof polyurethane and felt are configured so as to reduce impact-relatedshock The polyurethane layer further comprises a silver-based inorganicantimicrobial agent dispersed therein. Preferably, the silver-basedinorganic antimicrobial agent comprises montmorillonite containingsilver at a concentration of about 1% to 15% by weight. More preferably,the silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent comprises montmorillonitecontaining silver at a concentration of about 2% by weight.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, anexercise device is disclosed. The exercise device comprises anantimicrobial grip comprising a layer of polyurethane bonded to a layerof felt. The layers of polyurethane and felt are configured so as toreduce impact-related shock. The polyurethane layer further comprises asilver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent dispersed therein.Preferably, the silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent comprisesmontmorillonite containing silver at a concentration of about 1% to 15%by weight. More preferably, the silver-based inorganic antimicrobialagent comprises montmorillonite containing silver at a concentration ofabout 2% by weight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a broken perspective view of a shock-absorbingantimicrobial grip in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a broken view of the underside of an embodiment of theantimicrobial grip showing a quick-release tape covering an adhesivelayer.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken in enlarged scale along line 3-3for FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a further enlarged view of the encircled area designated4 in FIG. 3.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a golf club provided with anantimicrobial grip in accordance with one preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0023]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an antimicrobial grip inaccordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention beingapplied to a tennis racket.

[0024]FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an antimicrobial grip inaccordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention on atennis racket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, ahandle grip is disclosed having an inorganic antimicrobial agentincorporated therein. Antimicrobial is used herein to denote any actionwhich inhibits the proliferation, growth and/or survival of anymicroscopic and/or macroscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses,parasites, mold, mildew, fungi, algae, etc. In preferred embodiments,the handle grip is adapted for use with various sports equipment thatmay support the growth and/or survival of microbial organisms, such asfor example, handle grips that are moistened in routine use by exposureto rain and/or perspiration. More preferably, the grips of the presentinvention are designed to prevent microbial growth on handles ofequipment used in impact-related sports, such as for example, golfclubs, racquet ball racquets, tennis racquets, and squash racquets, etc.In another preferred embodiment, the present grips are designed for useon impact-imparting tools, such as hammers and axes. In anotherpreferred embodiment, the present grips are designed for use on home andgym exercise equipment, particularly on equipment, such as weightmachines, where cushioning and protection for the users' hands, feet,joints, tendons, muscles and bones are desired. Although modern exerciseequipment is now designed to reduce impact-related shock and suddenchanges in load-bearing, injuries form these stresses continue to be asignificant problem for gym users, particularly novice usersunaccustomed to the equipment. Moreover, communication of pathogenicmicrobes among shared users of exercise equipment in gyms and sportsclubs is a prevalent problem, which is presently poorly addressed andeven exacerbated by voluntary wipe-down etiquette usingperspiration-moistened towels.

[0026] Antimicrobial Agents—Although numerous organic compounds areknown to possess potent contact-mediated antimicrobial actions (e.g.,alcohol), such compounds are poorly suited for long-term protection andfor incorporation into the grip material. In accordance with preferredaspects of the present invention, inorganic materials are used as theantimicrobial agent, such as metals having antimicrobial properties.Silver, copper, zinc, tin, mercury, lead, iron, cobalt, nickel,manganese, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, barium, candmium and chromiumhave been known for a long time as metals which exhibit antifungal,antialgal and antibacterial activities (hereinafter referred to as“antimicrobial metals”). In particular, silver has been widely used inthe form of aqueous silver nitrate solution as bactericidal and/ordisinfectant solutions. However, some of the above-mentionedantimicrobial metals have been found to be toxic for humans.Furthermore, some of the toxic metals also have various practical andregulatory limitations in methods of use, storage and disposal.Consequently, their use as antimicrobial agents has been limited.

[0027] Recently, Applicant has found that relatively smallconcentrations of the antimicrobial metal, silver, particularly whencombined with a non-toxic porous mineral carrier, is sufficient toprovide the desired antimicrobial actions without risk of toxic effectsfor humans. As compared with organic antimicrobial agents, the inorganicantimicrobial agents are higher in safety, exhibit prolongedantimicrobial effect and superior heat resistance.

[0028] Powdered composite materials, comprising an antimicrobial metalin combination with a porous mineral-based carrier (hereinafter“inorganic antimicrobial agent”) are preferred in accordance with thepresent invention. Silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agents are mostpreferred. Examples of such silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agentsinclude silver combined with a silica-alumina carrier, a zeolitecarrier, or a zirconium phosphate carrier (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No.5,960,578; incorporated in its entirety herein by reference). Theseinorganic antimicrobial agents cause less skin irritation and offer muchimproved longevity, when compared with typical volatile organic agents.In addition, silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agents rarely causemetal allergies when compared with inorganic germicidal agentscontaining metals other than silver.

[0029] Some silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agents are commerciallyavailable, such as for example, BACTEKIRANI (Kanebo Co.), which is acomplex of silver and zeolite, and NOVALON, (Toa Gosei Co.), which is acomplex of silver and zirconium. One particularly preferred silver-basedinorganic antimicrobial agent in accordance with the present inventionis “Nanometers Layeric Silver System Inorganic Antibacterial Powder”(Beijing STR Inc., Ltd.), which is a complex of silver (2% by weight)and montmorillonite. The chemical formula of montmorillonite isNa_(0.7)Al_(3.3)Mg_(0.7)Si₈O₂₀(OH)₄·nH₂O.

[0030] The inorganic antimicrobial agent is preferably dispersed withthe elastomer-forming solution (e.g., preferably polyester or polyetherfor formation of polyurethane) prior to polymerization. Theconcentration (by weight) of the antimicrobial agent in the elastomericformulation is preferably in the range of about 0.1% to 20%. Morepreferably, the concentration ranges from about 1% to about 10% byweight. Most preferably, the concentration is about 2% by weight.

[0031] Grip Construction—With reference to FIG. 1, a preferred gripembodying the present invention utilizes an elongated strip G formedfrom a layer of an open-pored textile 12, such as felt, coated with alayer of an elastomeric material 16, for example a smooth layer ofclosed pore polyurethane as detailed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,695,418,5,797,813, and 5,857,929 (incorporated herein in their entirety byreference). In preferred embodiments, the inorganic antimicrobial agentis evenly dispersed throughout the elastomeric material. The elongatedstrip G can be spirally wrapped about the handle of the sportsequipment. Although the various embodiments of the antimicrobial gripset forth below are described as comprising a polyurethane layer bondedto a felt layer, it is understood that other elastomers besidespolyurethane and other textile (or non-textile) open-pore layers besidesfelt, which are known in the art, can be used in accordance with variousaspects of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, thetextile layer may be replaced by a water-excluding polymeric material,such as a layer of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), as detailed inco-pending U.S. Appl. No. 09/929,414; the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference thereto.

[0032] With reference to FIGS. 2-4, the grip preferably includes anopen-pored textile layer 12 (e.g., preferably felt) having an inner orbottom surface 14 which is designed to be adhered directly to the handleor alternatively to a resilient sleeve attached to the upper portion ofthe handle. An elastomer layer 16, preferably a closed pore polyurethanelayer, is bonded to the outer surface of the felt layer 12 as describedbelow. The bonded-together elastomer and felt layers are preferablyconfigured as unitary strip.

[0033] More particularly, with reference to FIG. 2-4, the underside 14of the felt 12 is provided with a conventional adhesive layer 30 whichis originally covered with a protective quick-release tape 32. To applythe grip to the handle, the protective tape 32 is stripped off theadhesive 30, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and the unitary strip is tightlywound around the handle as is well-known in the art. The felt layer 12of the strip is directly bonded to the polyurethane layer 16.Preferably, closed pores 22, in the polyurethane layer extendvertically, i.e. generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the stripand handle when the grip has been affixed to the handle, as illustratedin FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0034] The purpose of the layer of polyurethane 16 is primarily toprovide a cushioning effect for the handle grip, which protects the useragainst impact-related shock and/or shifts in load-bearing. Suchcushioning effect is enhanced by compression of the vertically alignedpores 22 in the polyurethane layer. It has been found that suchcompression greatly inhibits the shock applied by a club or racquet tothe user's arm and hand created when the ball hits the club or racquet.The polyurethane layer 16 also provides tackiness so as to inhibit theuser's hand from slippage. The felt layer 12 provides strength to thepolyurethane layer 16 and also serves as a means for attaching theunitary bonded-together strip of polyurethane and felt to the handle.

[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the antimicrobial grip G may beapplied as a spirally wound strip S to the shaft 14 of a golf club (FIG.5), or a racquet R (FIGS. 6-7). In preferred embodiments, thepolyurethane and felt layers may be formed with vertically extendingperforations as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The perforations areadapted to improve the resistance to slippage by enhancing theabsorption rate of perspiration from a user's hand. Such pores orperforations have also been found to improve the cushioning effect ofthe grip by providing a controlled restriction of air escaping fromwithin the open pores of the felt layer when the grip is grasped.

[0036] Applications and health-related benefits—As discussed above, theinvention is not limited to clubs and racquets designed to impact aball. Indeed, the antimicrobial grip in accordance with preferredembodiments of the present invention can be applied to any handle orshaft in which protection is desired from inter alia: (1) thedetrimental and health-related effects of microbial growth; (2)impact-related shock; (3) changes in load-bearing; and (4) slippage.Detrimental effects of microbial growth on grip performance and usefullife include without limitation, discoloration, odor, slimy and/orslippery tactile effect, deterioration of grip materials, de-laminationof the elastomer and textile layers, reduced adhesion to the handleshaft, etc.

[0037] Health-related effects include without limitation transmission ofcommunicable disease pathogens (including bacteria, viruses, mold,fungi, yeast, parasites, etc.) through direct skin contact with thegrips of shared sports equipment. According tohttp://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/huston5.htm, “[s]weat is a good way totransmit Staph bacteria and other communicable diseases.” Indeed, healthofficials in Los Angeles have noted an alarming increase in the“outbreak of antibiotic-resistant skin infection seen in groups such asathletes . . . who share things like gym equipment andtowels.”http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/news/5051309.htm.While gym suppliers are selling disinfectants designed to kill Staph,Salmonella, HIV-1, Herpes Simplex Type 2, and Athlete's foot fungus(http://www.gympart.com/trainer/10 lockerroom pg32.pdf), suchdisinfectant treatment does not address the problem of communication ofmicrobes between consecutive users during a typical day—whereindisinfecting may occur infrequently, for example, when the gym is closedat night.

[0038] More particularly, http://www.beingalive.org/pdf/nl052003.pdfstates that:

[0039] “Staph is bacteria commonly found on human skin. Sometimes itdoes not cause any problems; sometimes it causes minor infections, suchas pimples or boils. The skin infections often begin with an injury tothe skin where the Staph enters the skin weakened by the injury anddevelops into an infection. Symptoms of a Staph infection includeredness, warmth, and swelling, tenderness of the skin, and boils orblisters. Staph can rub off the skin of an infected person onto the skinof another person during prolonged skin to skin contact between them, orit can come off the infected skin of a person onto commonly sharedobjects or surfaces, and get into the skin of the person who uses itnext. . . Examples of objects that are commonly shared are . . .athletic equipment used in a gym.”

[0040] Thus, the antimicrobial grips in accordance with preferredembodiments of the present invention meet a long-felt and important needin the sports equipment area with respect to reducing communication ofmicrobial pathogens.

[0041] Accordingly, the antimicrobial grips are applicable for use onany sports equipment, like golf clubs and tennis racquets,impact-transferring handles of tools, like hammers and axes, andimpact-transferring and/or load-bearing handles of gym equipment, likeweight machines, rowing machines, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes,etc.

[0042] Manufacturing Processes—The elastomer (preferably polyurethane)layer may be formed in a conventional manner by coating one side of afelt strip (or other open pore textile or non-textile material) with asolution comprising the elastomeric formulation (preferablypolyurethane, e.g. polyester or polyether) dissolved in a suitablesolvent, preferably dimethyl formamide (DMF), and the antimicrobialagent. The concentration (by weight) of the antimicrobial agent in theelastomeric formulation is preferably in the range of about 0.1% to 20%.More preferably, the concentration ranges from about 1% to about 10% byweight. Most preferably, the concentration is about 2% by weight. Thecoated strip is immersed in consecutive water bath(s) to displace theDMF with water, causing the urethanes to coagulate. The strip is furthertreated by application of pressure and heat to displace the water withair.

[0043] In one preferred process mode, an accelerator of polyurethanecoagulation, e.g., Assistor SD-7 (Lidye Chemical Co., Ltd.), is added tothe coating solution at a concentration of about 0.1 to about 5%, morepreferably about 0.5% to 2%, and most preferably, about 1%. In thismanner, the pores will extend perpendicularly relative to thelongitudinal axis of the strip, while the underside of the polyurethanelayer is bonded to the outer surface of the felt strip. In one preferredembodiment, the ratio of the thickness of the polyurethane layer to thefelt layer is at least about 0.18.

[0044] Application to handles—In preferred embodiments, the elongatedstrip is applied directly to the handle by peeling off a quick-releasetape covering an adhesive on the underside of the felt layer, asillustrated in FIGS. 2-4. The strip is then spirally wound around thehandle shaft starting with the butt or top end of the handle, as shownin FIG. 6. After the strip has been completely wound about the shaft,its lower end may be secured in place by finishing tape and/or aconventional resilient ferrule to prevent unraveling of the lowerportion of the strip relative to the handle.

[0045] Alternatively, the strip may be spirally wrapped around aresilient rubber-like sleeve made of a synthetic plastic foam or rubber.The sleeve is slipped over the handle portion of the sports equipment.The elongated strip is spirally wrapped about sleeve and finished withtape or the like. It should be noted that rather than wrapping the striparound the sleeve after the sleeve has been applied to the handle, thesleeve may be mounted on a tapered mandrel and the strip spirallywrapped about the sleeve. The resulting assembly of sleeve and strip maybe marketed as a replacement grip or as original equipment installed onthe sports equipment. If desired, the grip receiving portion of theshaft or handle may be expanded radially at a greater angle than themain portion of the shaft to enhance the grasp of the grip by a user.

WORKING EXAMPLES

[0046] Unitary strips of grip material were made as described above,with and without 2% by weight Nanometers Layeric Silver System InorganicAntibacterial Powder (purchased from Beijing STR Inc., Ltd.), containing2% by weight silver. The powdered inorganic antimicrobial agent wasevenly dispersed in a solution of polyurethane (MP-812; Lidye ChemicalCo., Ltd.) in 70% dimethyl formamide (DMF) containing 1% by weight ofthe coagulation enhancer (SD-7; Lidye Chemical Co., Ltd.). The elastomerdispersion containing the inorganic antimicrobial agent was layered ontoa felt strip, which was then washed in four consecutive water baths at40-70° C., to remove DMF and induce coagulation of the urethanes. Waterwas removed by heating to 90° C.

[0047] Portions of the control (no antimicrobial agent) and treatedgrips were then tested for growth of the bacteria Escherichia coli(E.coli), in accordance with standard published procedures (GB15979,GB8629-88, The Institute for Antibacteria Technology (3^(rd) Edition);Book I, FZZ/T0102, pg. 1-92, Japan JIS, AATCC1000 Standard ofAntibacteria). Control and treated samples of grip material wereinoculated with E. coli by streaking a 0.2 ml volume of inoculum ontothe surface of the grip samples at 25-26° C. After incubating for 4 hrs,bacteria were collected from the grips by washed with 5 ml PBS. The washwas cultured on agar for 8 hrs and bacterial counts were quantified incolony-forming units (cfu/ml). The results are shown in TABLE 1. TABLE 14 hours 0 hour 4 hours 4 hours Difference in Bacterial Bacterial PercentPercent Count Count Inhibition Inhibition SAMPLE (cfu/ml) (cfu/ml) (%)(%) Control 19600 18700 4.59 — + Antimicrobial Agent 19600 900 95.4190.82

[0048] The antimicrobial grip material made in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention killed approximately95.41% of the E. coli bacteria applied to the grip after 4 hours at25-26° C. In contrast, the level of bacteria surviving on the untreated,control grip was essentially the same as the starting (0 hour) inoculum.Clearly, the incorporation of 2% by weight of the inorganicantimicrobial agent within the outer polyurethane layer of the gripmaterial resulted in a handle grip which effectively eliminates bacteriafrom the grip surface.

[0049] In follow-up testing, Applicant is applying other microbialstrains, including other bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds, and parasitesto the control and antimicrobial grips. In variations to the aboveoutlined experiments to assess the spectrum of bacteria and othermicrobes against which Applicant's grips are effective in inhibitinggrowth, proliferation and survival. The concentrations of differentantimicrobial agents (e.g., silver and zinc based mineral formulations)will be varied in the range of 0.1% to 20% by weight. Positivegermicidal effects are expected for a broad spectrum of microbes.Further, at least the silver-containing (and probably thezinc-containing) formulations also are expected to produce positiveantimicrobial effects of greater than about 90% inhibition of colonygrowth and survival. Positive antimicrobial effects are seen atconcentrations of the inorganic antimicrobial agents between 1% and 10%by weight. Optimal germicidal effects are predicted at about 2% byweight of the inorganic antimicrobial agents, based on Applicant'sresults with E. coli. Results of the prophetic examples are supported byApplicant's working example with E. coli as well as the extensiveliterature on the antimicrobial actions of silver (See e.g., Muller G,Winkler Y, Kramer A. (2003) Antibacterial activity and endotoxin-bindingcapacity of Actisorb Silver 220. J. Hosp. Infect. 53(3): 211-4; Karlov AV, Khlusov I A, Pontak V A, Ignatov V P, Ivin M A, Zinatulina S Y (2002)Adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to implants with differentphysicochemical characteristics. Bull Exp Biol Med. 134(3): 277-80;Bellantone M, Williams H D, Hench L L. (2002) Broad-spectrumbactericidal activity of Ag(2)O-doped bioactive glass. Antimicrob AgentsChemother. 46(6): 1940-5; Lansdown A B (2002) Silver. I: Itsantibacterial properties and mechanism of action. J. Wound Care. 11(4):125-30).

[0050] Further, silver is reportedhttn://colloidalsilver.hypermart.net/silver/faq. as a “powerfulgermicidal . . . that it is non-toxic to the human body, but lethal toover 650 disease-causing bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and molds;while conventional pharmaceutical antibiotics are typically effectiveagainst only 6 or 7 types of bacteria.

[0051] According to Davies and Etris (1996), silver providesantimicrobial actions via three distinct mechanisms of action: (1)catalytic oxidation, (2) reaction with cell membranes, and (3) bindingto microbial DNA to prevent transcription. More particularly,atomic(nascent) oxygen absorbed onto the surface of silver ions willreadily react with the sulfhydryl (—S—H) groups surrounding the surfaceof bacteria or viruses to remove the hydrogen atoms (as water), causingthe sulfur atoms to form an R—S—S—R bond; blocking respiration andcausing the bacteria to expire. There is evidence that silver ionsattach to membrane surface radicals of bacteria, impairing cellrespiration and blocking its energy transfer system. The DNA ofPseudomonas aeruginosa, a tenacious bacteria that is difficult to treat,has been shown to take up silver. While it remains unclear exactly howthe silver binds to the DNA without destroying the hydrogen bondsholding the lattice together, it nevertheless prevents the DNA fromunwinding, an essential step for cellular replication to occur (Fox andModak; cited in http://colloidalsilver.hypermart.net/silver/faq.html).

[0052] In another study, reported inhttp://www.dietsexercise.com/anthrax-colloidal-silver.htm, silver wasshown to be effective in treating ear infections, yeast infection(Candida), viral infection (common cold), E. coli infection, intestinalinfection, sinus infection, HIV infection, Lyme disease, Herpes (HSV-2)viral infection, Anthrax infection, and food poisoning.

[0053] Based on Applicant's study results and the literature reportswith regard to the antimicrobial actions of silver, results of theprovided prophetic microbe spectrum analysis, antimicrobial agenttesting, and concentration experiments are likely to be consistent withthe predicted outcomes.

[0054] While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications can be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that theinvention be limited except by the appended claims.

1. An antimicrobial grip, comprising an elongated strip comprising anelastomer layer bonded to a textile layer, wherein said elastomer layerfurther comprises an inorganic antimicrobial agent.
 2. The antimicrobialgrip of claim 1, wherein said elastomer layer comprises polyurethane. 3.The antimicrobial grip of claim 2, wherein said polyurethane has aplurality of closed pores that extend vertically in a direction normalto a longitudinal axis of the elongated strip.
 4. The antimicrobial gripof claim 1, wherein said textile layer comprises felt.
 5. Theantimicrobial grip of claim 1, wherein said textile layer furthercomprises an adhesive layer and a protective quick-release tape, suchthat upon release of the tape, the elongated strip can be adhered to ahandle.
 6. The antimicrobial grip of claim 1, wherein said inorganicantimicrobial agent comprises an antimicrobial metal, selected from thegroup consisting of silver, copper, zinc, tin, mercury, lead, iron,cobalt, nickel, manganese, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, barium, cadmiumand chromium.
 7. The antimicrobial grip of claim 6, wherein theantimicrobial metal is silver or zinc.
 8. The antimicrobial grip ofclaim 6, wherein the antimicrobial metal is silver.
 9. The antimicrobialgrip of claim 6, wherein said antimicrobial agent further comprises aporous mineral-based carrier.
 10. The antimicrobial grip of claim 9,wherein the porous mineral-based carrier is selected from the groupconsisting of a silica-alumina carrier, a zeolite carrier, or azirconium phosphate carrier.
 11. The antimicrobial grip of claim 10,wherein the porous mineral based carrier is a silica-alumina carrier.12. The antimicrobial grip of claim 11, wherein the silica-aluminacarrier is montmorillonite, having a chemical formula:Na_(0.7)Al_(3.3)Mg_(0.7)Si₈O₂₀(OH)₄·nH₂O.
 13. The antimicrobial grip ofclaim 1, wherein said inorganic antimicrobial agent is present at aconcentration by weight in a range of about
 0. 1% to 20%.
 14. Theantimicrobial grip of claim 13, wherein the concentration by weight ofsaid inorganic antimicrobial agent is in a range of about 1% to 10%. 15.The antimicrobial grip of claim 14, wherein the concentration by weightof said inorganic antimicrobial agent is about 2%.
 16. A golf club,comprising an antimicrobial grip comprising a layer of polyurethanebonded to a layer of felt, said layers of polyurethane and felt beingconfigured so as to reduce impact-related shock, wherein saidpolyurethane layer further comprises a silver-based inorganicantimicrobial agent dispersed therein.
 17. The golf club of claim 16,wherein said silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent comprisesmontmorillonite containing silver at a concentration of about 1% to 15%by weight.
 18. The golf club of claim 16, wherein said silver-basedinorganic antimicrobial agent comprises montmorillonite containingsilver at a concentration of about 2% by weight.
 19. A racquet,comprising an antimicrobial grip comprising a layer of polyurethanebonded to a layer of felt, said layers of polyurethane and felt beingconfigured so as to reduce impact-related shock, wherein saidpolyurethane layer further comprises a silver-based inorganicantimicrobial agent dispersed therein.
 20. The racquet of claim 19,wherein said silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent comprisesmontmorillonite containing silver at a concentration of about 1% to 15%by weight.
 21. The racquet of claim 19, wherein said silver-basedinorganic antimicrobial agent comprises montmorillonite containingsilver at a concentration of about 2% by weight.
 22. An exercise device,comprising an antimicrobial grip comprising a layer of polyurethanebonded to a layer of felt, said layers of polyurethane and felt beingconfigured so as to reduce impact-related shock, wherein saidpolyurethane layer further comprises a silver-based inorganicantimicrobial agent dispersed therein.
 23. The exercise device of claim22, wherein said silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent comprisesmontmorillonite containing silver at a concentration of about 1% to 15%by weight.
 24. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein saidsilver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent comprises montmorillonitecontaining silver at a concentration of about 2% by weight.